Residents in the north of Pretoria have been urged to cease their illegal dumping practices after the metro identified 961 illegal dumping hotspots in the area.
Ward 2 councillor Quentin Meyer said illegal dumping not only tarnished the environment but also posed health risks to the community.
“We need to keep our environment and our neighbourhood clean and safe.
“I saw this other lady dumping rubbish at this illegal spot this other day and I made her pick it up because we’re trying to make this place neat each day,” he said.
Meyer added that residents must be vigilant and report any illegal dumping activities to ensure offenders are held accountable.
He highlighted the need for residents to adopt proper waste disposal practices and use available waste disposal facilities.
In Pretoria North, residents can access the Ga-Rankuwa and Soshanguve garden refuse sites, as well as the Dorandia garden refuse site.
According to spokesperson Lindela Mashigo, the metro collaborates with ward councillors, the Tshwane Metro Police Department (TMPD) and community leaders to keep these hotspots clean.
Mashigo emphasised that the hotspots are cleaned daily according to a schedule that is updated monthly.
However, despite these efforts, illegal dumping remains a financial burden for the metro and a headache for residents.
To combat the issue, the metro enforces the Waste Management By-Law, issuing fines of R5 000 to those caught dumping waste illegally.
Several factors contribute to illegal dumping, including inadequate refuse bins and overcrowded living conditions.
“Most communities still use the 85-litre bins, which are too small for weekly collection,” explained Mashigo.
“Additionally, many houses with backyard dwellings find even the 240-litre bins insufficient.”
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The metro conducts regular education and awareness campaigns through the Re Kaofela clean-up initiative.
“These campaigns aim to educate communities about the importance of maintaining clean surroundings and the various waste disposal options available within the metro.”
Mashigo said the metro has been actively involved in these educational efforts, organising community clean-up events and workshops.
“Education is key to changing behaviour.
“We need to ensure that everyone understands the impact of illegal dumping and knows how to dispose of waste responsibly,” said Mashigo.
Illegal dumping has severe consequences, including environmental degradation, soil and water contamination and health risks due to the attraction of rodents and insects.
It can also lead to blocked stormwater drainage systems, resulting in floods and creating breeding grounds for mosquitoes.
To address the illegal dumping issue, Mashigo advocates the following solutions:
– Practice the four Rs: reduce, recycle, reuse and recover.
– Report illegal dumping to the metro police at 012 358 7095/7096.
– Take ownership of community open spaces and develop food gardens or public parks.
– Acquire additional waste storage bins when needed.
– Dispose of waste only at designated municipal facilities.
The metro has identified landfill sites in the north, located in Dorandia on Daan De Wet Nel Avenue and in Magalieskruin on Koorsboom Avenue in Sinoville, as designated disposal areas.
“We all have a role to play in keeping our city clean.
“By working together, we can make Pretoria North a healthier and more beautiful place to live,” Meyer concluded.
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